Tag Archives: God Is Faithful

Standing For Jesus In The Devil’s World

1 Corinthians 4:6-8 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us NOT TO THINK OF MEN ABOVE THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Last week we saw how Paul talked of our stewardship, and that we are stewards of the mysteries of God. We are all stewards of what God has given us. What is necessary for a steward? Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 4:2 … it is required in stewards, that A MAN WE FOUND FAITHFUL

The steward is to be faithful in managing that which the owner has entrusted to him. God has given the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Church. No man will go into Heaven without Jesus. So we are to STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS whether others like it or not. Let’s continue:

1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might LEARN IN US NOT TO THINK OF MEN ABOVE THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Neither Paul nor Apollos set themselves above others when fulfilling their stewardship. As Paul preached the Gospel to the lost world, he was attacked. Paul would later write:

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (ESV) with far greater labors, far more IMPRISONMENTS, with countless BEATINGS, and often near death. FIVE TIMES I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. THREE TIMES IN WAS BEATEN WITH RODS. ONCE I WAS STONED. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea… in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Preach! Do you know why Paul went through all this trial and tribulation? Because the Gospel OFFENDS LOST PEOPLE. The Christian way of life OFFENDS LOST PEOPLE. Talk about Buddha, people will think you sophisticated. Talk about Confucius, and people will think you smart. Talk about Nihilism, and people will feel you are college educated. But talk about Jesus – live for Jesus – lift up the God of the Bible and honor Him in the name of Jesus – and YOU WILL OFFEND…. Continue reading →

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Treat Others Righteously

Having given us the seven characteristics of the Christian (Matthew 5:1-12), and defining His people as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-20), Jesus begins to tell us how we show the Kingdom through our personal relationships. Last week we looked at maintaining unity and peace in the Body of Christ. This week Jesus is going to get into some really politically incorrect areas, beginning with …

How Men Should Treat Women

For some reason, women want to be equal to men. I think it started in the Garden of Eden, when Adam stepped back and allowed Eve to be duped by the serpent. Women are not the same as men. In fact, the Bible tells men that we are to cherish and elevate women. In the marital relationship the wife is directed to:

1 Peter 3:1-6 NKJV – Wives, likewise, BE SUBMISSIVE TO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel– 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, BEING SUBMISSIVE TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, WHOSE DAUGHTERS YOU ARE IF YOU DO GOOD and are not afraid with any terror.

How were men to treat their wives? The Apostle goes on to say:

1 Peter 3:7 NKJV – Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, GIVING HONOR {timē} TO THE WIFE, AS TO THE WEAKER VESSEL, and as BEING HEIRS TOGETHER OF THE GRACE OF LIFE, that YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED.

Word Study: The husband is to HONOR HIS WIFE. The word translated “HONOR” is the Greek timē, which means “to cherish as precious, to highly value or reverence as something or someone of great value”. This word was used to describe the Blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the Cross for us:… Continue reading →

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We Are Called To Faithful Stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:1-4 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and STEWARDS {oikonomos} of the MYSTERIES {mysterion} of God. 2 Moreover it is required in STEWARDS {oikonomos}, that A MAN BE FOUND FAITHFUL. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but HE THAT JUDGETH ME IS THE LORD.

Word Study: A “STEWARD” , the Greek oikonomos, means “someone appointed or commissioned to manage household affairs”. The steward was appointed by the owner, the head of the house, or the proprietor to manage his affairs, to take care of receipts and expenditures, and to even pay other staff members.

The “steward” is accountable to the owner, and to no one else. The steward owns nothing, but manages what is entrusted to him for the owner. What Are God’s servants “stewards” of?

Word Study: God’s ministers are “STEWARDS “OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD”. What is a “MYSTERY” in the Scripture? This is the Greek mysterion, which means a divine truth somewhat hidden in ages past, but now revealed or exposed by the Holy Spirit of God. It is called “MYSTERIES” or “MYSTERIOUS” because it cannot be solved by human logic, human philosophy, or human wisdom. The “MYSTERIES” are the Kingdom principles …

The “MYSTERIES” can only be revealed to us when we give our lives to Jesus in salvation. The “Mysteries” belong to every follower of Christ…. Continue reading →

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God Wants Whole Men

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. [2] Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

King Solomon, the son of King David, was a saved believer. The Bible says that:

1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon LOVED THE LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: …

He loved the Lord. He was a believer in the Lord, saved by faith in the coming Jesus Christ. But the Bible tells us that – though Solomon was saved – he had an area of weakness. When we read the rest of 1 Kings 3:3 we see that:

1 Kings 3:3 … only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.

Solomon loved the Lord, but he compromised with the ways of the world. He loved the Lord, but he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. He tolerated the false gods in his lifestyle and in his actions.

Solomon was tolerant to other religions. I don’t mean that Solomon was tolerant in the sense that he had a live and let live mentality toward the unbelievers of the faith. Christians ought to be kind, and ought to show love toward all people. Our standard should be what Jesus said:

Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV – … LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Loving your enemies doesn’t mean to justify what the lost do. It doesn’t mean to go along with the gods of this world, sacrificing to that which is not the God of the Bible. Loving your enemies means to… Continue reading →

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The Righteous Scarcely Saved: 1 Peter 4:17-19

1 Peter 4:17 KJV For the time is come that JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

I’ve heard this lie frequently taught from both pulpit and pew. “Well, God didn’t call us to be judges”. Actually, Jesus did. Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearance, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24). What is He saying? My judgment is not to be based on my opinion or what I think, but based on what God has written. Jesus tells us to judge – but to judge ourselves first. That’s what we’re told in today’s text:

JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD

Jesus told us to judge – but ourselves first.

Matthew 7:5-6 LSB You HYPOCRITE, FIRST TAKE THE LOG OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 DO NOT GIVE WHAT IS HOLY TO DOGS, and DO NOT THROW YOUR PEARLS BEFORE THE SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

The problem with judging is, too often we justify our poor performance by judging another. “Judgment must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD” (Hebrews 3:6 says the Christian is of the House of God).

We should examine our lives first – then challenge others around us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17-18).

I want to say this very carefully. It is possible to go to Church (which you should), to post Bible verses online, to wear a Cross around your neck, and profess you are a Christian – and still not know Jesus. Examine yourselves. Are you bearing fruit for Jesus? If you are, then help others to do the same…. Continue reading →

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Wise And Foolish Virgins

As I prepared this message, I studied a sermon “The Ten Virgins” developed by a dear saint now with Jesus, Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843). He could be known as the Billy Graham of Scotland. Though he only lived to be two months short of 30 years old, he loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart. He glorified Jesus in his life, and went to be with Jesus unexpectedly … just as we all will go. Jesus told us:

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh

When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven in this parable, He was not talking of the future Heaven every believer in Christ will be in. He was speaking of the Kingdom of God on the earth, the Church. This message is a message to the assembled Church. Jesus told His Church to “WATCH”. To watch for His return. To be diligent. In Matthew 24:42 Jesus warned:

“Watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. … Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect Him!”

When we get to Heaven, we will glorify Jesus for all eternity. The Church should be watching, and be always ready to worship and glorify Him. John the Revelator looked into Heaven, and saw this picture … Continue reading →

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Christ’s Words Of Victory

I receive obituary notices through my email from Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, Heritage Funeral Home, and Williams Funeral Home every day. I rarely know who these people are who passed, but I like to keep up and read the obituaries. I started this practice years ago as a Pastor when I found out I was preaching a funeral that afternoon – but no one from the Funeral Home let me know! It was only by the Grace of God that I found out.

As I read the obituaries this week, I read things like:

1. The departed loved animals, and was a collector of many things.
2. The loved one was devoted to family, faith, country, and community.
3. The person had a love for the simple things of life, like fishing, music, and spending time with family.
4. She “passed away peacefully”, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
5. The lady helped build a world shaped by devotion, honest work, and dedication.
6. If the person attended Church at all, they are noted as “a member of such and such Church”.

One of the oldies but goodies is “She earned her angel wings”. Did you know Dolly Parton earned her angel wings this week? That’s what one article stated.

As you all probably know, Dolly Parton passed away this Tuesday, August 25. She was 80 years old. One newspaper article stated “Cause of Dolly’s… Continue reading →

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Wednesday Night Study: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 3:1-15

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the NATURAL {psychikos} man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are SPIRITUALLY {pneumatikōs} discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual {pneumatikos} judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Word Study: Last we saw the difference between the “NATURAL” (psychikos, sensual, psychotic, bestial or animal like) person and the “SPIRITUAL” (pneumatikos, Spirit led) Child of God. The flesh controlled person can not receive the things of the Spirit of God. They are enslaved to the flesh. They have not been set free by faith in Jesus. Jesus said:

(John 8:34-36 LSB) … Truly, truly, I say to you, EVERYONE WHO COMMITS SIN IS THE SLAVE OF SIN. [35] “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. [36] “So IF THE SON MAKES YOU FREE, YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED.

We are born into this world bound to the flesh and sin. This is the “NATURAL” state. But once you receive Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, He sends the Holy Spirit to us to cause our new birth and indwell us. Once saved, the “SPIRITUAL” or Spirit led Christian – though they may occasionally sin- are no longer bound to sin but to righteousness. The Apostle said:

(Romans 6:1-2 KJV) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] God forbid. How shall WE, THAT ARE DEAD {apothnēskō} TO SIN, live any longer therein?… Continue reading →

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Christ’s Word Of Anguish: Matthew 27:45-46

The “CUP” Jesus dreaded drinking was the cup of God’s wrath. The sin of the world could not be taken away until Jesus drank the cup dry. He paid our penalty in full. He alone is the satisfactory Payment for our sins (1 John 2:2)

For three hours Jesus endured the darkness. From noon till 3 pm there was no word from the Cross. Then …

Christ’s Misunderstood Word Of Anguish

Matthew 27:43 “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani”

It is amazing the depravity that sin will lead us to. Several years ago I was preaching from this text my Hero Jesus – my Savior and Lord – when an older gentleman in the audience got offended. I’ll never forget it. He sent another Pastor to me with the complaint that I was speaking in tongues while I was preaching. Sin closed this man’s mind to the Savior. Satan – that Old Serpent – blinded this man close to the end of his life with foolishness, rather than examining his own life and running to the Savior’s arms.

Oh, my Lord!

When Jesus said “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” (Mark 15:34 records it as “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani”), He was speaking Hebrew and Aramaic.

The Jews of Jesus’ day had been in captivity for so long, that many of them (outside of the Pharisees and Priests) could not speak nor understand their own native language. Many spoke Greek, so many that about 3 years before Christ became incarnate that the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek by a group of Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt. That what we call the Septuagint, the Bible most quoted by the Apostles. Not knowing their own language, when Jesus cried out:… Continue reading →

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Characteristics Of A Spiritually Healthy Believer, Part 2

Matthew 5: 3-9 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Last Sunday we started looking at the 7 characteristics of the spiritually healthy believer. The King of Kings went up a mountain and sat down. Here He is teaching those who come to Him what is expected of the believer under the New Covenant.

Salvation is a gift received of God, but once received it brings you into the Kingdom of Heaven/ Kingdom of God. Citizens of the Kingdom are under a standard of behavior.

To review, the first four characteristics are:

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

1 I am spiritually impoverished before God. I must be born again of God. We all fall far short of God’s holiness, and have no hope of justification before God apart from faith in the Cross of Calvary. None can be saved unless they first repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that MOURN: for they shall be comforted.

2 To be saved, one must REPENT. You must realize your natural standing before God, and grieve. This is not a reference to mourning over some sad thing that happened in your earthly experience. It is a reference about grieving for your deficiencies before God, about wanting to be better than you are in God’s presence. Humans are emotional creatures. This is not a reference to worldly sorrow (sorry that you got caught) but a reference to godly sorrow. The Bible says:… Continue reading →

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